As they first did in the summer of 1776, local townsfolk gathered last week to hear the words of Thomas Jefferson declaring America’s original 13 colonies free and independent states.
A few dozen people attended the Historical Society of the Merricks’ traditional reading of the U.S. Declaration of Independence on the Fourth of July at the Merrick Avenue gazebo. It was a patriotic occasion, with many decked out in red, white and blue and displaying American flags. The Merrick Chorale also performed The Star-Spangled Banner.